Meet Josh, One of Our New Apprentices
Last year, our offices at The Maltings
and Bridgehead launched the SGS apprenticeship scheme, which gives people the
opportunity to learn all about our fascinating industry whilst benefitting from
mentoring, development days and ownership over fundraising projects. We’re now
in the process of welcoming a fresh intake of apprentices to offices in Hull
and Tamworth , with 18-year-old Josh Minter being one of our new starters at
The Maltings. We caught up with Josh to find out what he thinks about his
training so far.
“Before I joined SGS as an apprentice I
was at college studying the public sector, and before that I studied business
studies and media studies,” says Josh. “I knew I wanted to be involved within
digital media due to my previous history with media studies and graphic design
at high school. I was looking for an apprenticeship as opposed to university
because I wanted to get into a sustainable career within a field I have a
passion for, based at a place where I would enjoy coming to work every day.”
Josh applied for an apprenticeship with
our company and responded immediately when we got back to him: “Having done
some background research on the company online, I was intrigued to find out what
opportunities could await if my interviews went well and I was offered an
apprenticeship. I knew it was going to be difficult due to the sheer volume of
candidates that applied for the role of apprentice at this site.
“Upon arrival, the slick, modern
interior caught my attention. I felt like I wasn't in a basic, unattractive
workspace that you usually come across. Instead, it was a working environment
with character, filled with friendly employees who all made me feel at home before
I had even been offered an apprenticeship. I knew that this was the place for
me.”
Josh had been offered a position at
another similar business in the area, which offers apprenticeships. However, he
says that after several group interviews, tours and one-to-one sessions at both
companies, it was an easy decision to choose SGS: “Everything about the site,
staff and workplace in general was very much more suited to me. A friendly
environment with an ambition to learn and grow was what caught my eye during
the interviewing process. SGS also made the apprenticeship more about me, as
they made it clear that colleagues would support me through any difficulties
and challenges I might face within and outside of the job. It made me feel very
wanted and inspired me to choose this opportunity over the other.”
Josh is working in the Brewing Room on the
second floor at The Maltings. He tells us that on his first day he was greeted
by everyone and treated like he had already been with the company for a year:
“With everyone knowing how nervous I was, they made sure I was eased into my
role comfortably and stress-free. All of the staff are very approachable and
supportive. There is a very friendly vibe around the room and it makes it a
great place to come to work.”
He’s also completely invested in our
brand, even at this very early stage: “Personally, I think SGS is a very
exciting company. It seems to be constantly evolving and it’s a very unique
place to work, plus a very intriguing one to say the least. Although I have
only been here for a month, it really is an amazing place for apprentices such
as myself because you’re supported in your every step, at your own pace, with a
company culture that makes you excited to come in the next day.”
Josh is currently learning the software
that he will be using daily as an apprentice artworker: “The training provided
has been outstanding. There is no pressure on you to learn everything as fast
as you can and be perfect right away; instead I’m given freedom within small
tasks on the software that help me to learn and grow in my own time, which as a
young apprentice allows me to progress healthily. Also, I cannot praise the
support from my co-workers enough, as they are always making sure I am doing
okay and checking if I need any help. I can talk to them about any problems,
which would normally seem daunting but that simply isn't the case at SGS.”
As of this week, Josh has completed his
simple and basic training on the system software and is now progressing onto
the more detailed aspects of artwork, which involves learning features that
artworkers use to create packaging design and artwork. He says that he’s looking
forward to being able to work on larger projects in the near future, and helping
the reprographic artworkers in his department with tasks: “Then I would like to
progress to the stage where I can take on more difficult jobs on my own,
becoming more independent without needing as much support and guidance.”
As for outside of work, Josh is an avid
follower of pop culture: “I love the cinema, especially watching classic movies.
I also used to make films at high school and college, so I have a burning
passion for cinematography. I'm very much into music and collect vinyl too. In my spare time I regularly attend gigs and
music concerts, along with festivals in the summer. Plus I’m a big football fan
and used to travel to games, which I haven't been able to do as much recently
but I’d love to get back into it, as well as playing when I get the chance.”
We’re delighted that Josh has hit the
ground running in his new apprentice role and everyone is very impressed with
his focus, dedication and progress. As for football, we wouldn’t be surprised
if he’s soon playing a Maltings vs Bridgehead match with his colleagues!
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